Textbook

No textbook this semester. We'll be doing online readings and accessing research through the Texas State Library online resources.

Course Description

In MC5316, we will examine the Internet and other digital technologies and discuss their relationship with the communication discipline. Issues discussed will include the role communication will play in the new media environment, legal issues, diffusion and other media theories, and the impact of new media technologies on society and culture.

The format of the class will consist of lecture and discussion, student presentations, video and other outside media sources, and guest speakers.

Objectives

Upon completing this course, students can expect:

Email

You must use an active Texas State email account.   Communication via TRACS uses your Texas State email, and the university is required to send grade information out only through the Texas State email system.   Contact the instructor, if you have questions.   Make sure you check your email on a regular basis, as schedule changes will be communicated there as well as on our course site. Email communication will be handled through TRACS (tracs.txstate.edu), as well as the gradebook, but all other information will be distributed through this website.

Course Requirements

See Assignments for details.

Late Work

No late work will be accepted.   If you have very unusual circumstances that deem you unable to turn in work, contact the instructor immediately.

Grade Scale

There is no extra credit available for this class.   Please contact the instructor early in the semester if you are having problems with any of the course requirements.

Grades will be posted for this course on TRACS at http://tracs.txstate.edu .

Attendance

Attendance in this course is very important, as student participation and contribution are required. Excessive absences will result in missed work and resulting lowered grades. In addition, the instructor may reduce a grade based on excessive absences. Contact the instructor immediately if you have any issues that prevent your regular attendance.

Student Conduct

In this class, you should feel comfortable to participate and express opinions and ideas.   Please respect the opinions of others and be considerate of their need to contribute and learn. Turn off cell phones before entering class, and do not take calls during class. Do not use your phone for text messaging during class.   You may use a laptop for note-taking during class, but surfing the Web, checking email, IMing or other non-related activities during class are not acceptable.   For note-taking, a notebook is preferable, because it is easier to concentrate on what is being said, and there are fewer distractions to you and others in the class. Please do not have private conversations with your neighbors during class time, whether the instructor or other students are talking.  

Any student who does not adhere to these conduct policies will be asked to leave the classroom and could face reprimand. In general, please be respectful of others desire to learn and help to create a fun and beneficial classroom environment.

Dropping a Course
Texas State has a new course drop policy. Please refer to the TX State calendar and make sure you drop the class within the appropriate timeframe.

Academic Honesty

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication commits itself to the preparation of mass media professionals and scholars.   Such a mission demands the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.   Violations of academic honesty, including but not limited to plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, collusion, deception, conflict of interest and theft, are not tolerated and can lead to severe penalties.   Disciplinary actions for violations of the standards for academic honesty are outlined in the Texas State Academic Honesty Statement, printed each year in the Student Handbook.   The policy is also available at http://www.dos.txstate.edu/handbook.html .

Note to Students with Disabilities

Texas State University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities.   This university will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.   Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at (512) 245-3451, and register with that office. ODS is located in Suite 5-5.1 at the LBJ Student Center.   If you are a student with a disability certified by ODS and you require accommodations in this class, it is your responsibility to notify the professor no later than the fifth class day of this semester so that accommodations can be discussed and promptly provided.

Instructor may notify you of changes or updates to policies in this syllabus throughout the semester.